Why Emotional Intelligence Is Crucial for Success (Infographic)

While you might be smart and have all the right skills to succeed at your job, if you lack emotional intelligence (EQ), there’s a high chance you’ll struggle to fully succeed in the workplace.

Related: Why You Need Emotional Intelligence to Succeed in Business

The official definition of “emotional intelligence” is “the capacity to be aware of, control and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.” How you carry yourself and how you communicate with others can make or break your success at work and in life. This is especially true if you’re working on a team, because succeeding together means understanding, connecting and building relationships with others. If you identify yourself as being self-aware and socially aware, then there’s a good chance you’ve got a high EQ.

Related: 11 Signs That You Lack Emotional Intelligence

However, you’d be surprised to know just how many people lack these important EQ skills. Average EQ scores have dropped 25 points while average IQ scores have increased 25 points in recent years. While this might look good on paper, a number of advantages come with a high EQ such as employee retention, increased productivity and overall increased business profits because teammates are happy and working together.

Related: Use These 7 Emotional Intelligence Tips to Be a Better Leader

If you feel like you’re lacking a good EQ, it might be time to better manage your stress, change your attitude, constructively resolve conflict and think before you speak. To learn more about the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace, check out Initiative One’s infographic below.